Cancer awareness is catching on with the fishing community in North Shields thanks to a groundbreaking initiative.
The three-year partnership between the Fishermen’s Mission and Macmillan Cancer Support is called C-Aware and it’s the first of its kind in the UK.
C-Aware programme manager Deb Johnstone is based at the North Shields Mission and has been finding ways to reach fishermen who work long hours and have difficulty accessing cancer screening.
As part of the scheme, fishermen and their families are invited to become cancer community champions, so they can get people talking about cancer symptoms and lifestyle choices at sea and at home.
C-Aware offers flexible cancer education sessions to increase cancer awareness and break down barriers to accessing screening, treatment and support.
It follows in the footsteps of the Fishermen’s Mission’s nationally-acclaimed and award-winning SeaFit initiative, which delivers health and healthy lifestyle services direct to fishermen on the quay.
Deb Johnstone, C-Aware Programme Manager, said: “We are developing bespoke methods to engage with the fishing community to remove stigmas and myths associated with cancer screening and diagnosis.
“We are signposting people to cancer community services and promoting cancer aftercare.
“We want to ensure everyone has access to vital preventative measures through access to screening, awareness of symptoms and healthy lifestyle choices.”
Fishermen from the North Shields Fish Quay were asked for their experiences and thoughts on healthcare. Chris said: “I tried to make an appointment for my health when I was not at sea. I was given an appointment when the tide was good so I could not attend. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid.”
Norman said: “I don’t put my health first and never have. I have learnt behaviour of just getting on with it like my dad, who was also a fisherman.’”
Mick said: “It’s the fear of knowing what’s wrong with me that puts me off attending health appointments.”
Marc Evans, Chief Executive of the Fishermen’s Mission added: “We were privileged to have been approached by Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver critical support through the C-Aware initiative.
“The Fishermen’s Mission has been proud to be serve both active and former fishermen and their families for many decades. This new service is something that we are very pleased to offer.
“We will be looking for members of the local community to join us and be trained as Cancer Community Champions.
“Active fishermen will be able to undertake bitesize training sessions to help them have important conversations about cancer with their crew, skippers, family members and those in the wider fishing community.
“Healthcare within the fishing community is something that is often overlooked, the importance of C-Aware as part of the national Community Champions Programme is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Tina Thompson Partnership Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Fishing is one of the deadliest occupations, with long spells at sea, where an individual’s own health is not prioritised. Intended as part of a national effort this is the first programme to launch.
“Macmillan identified through collaboration with the Fisherman’s Mission that standard health promotion and support is not fitting for this workforce and community. Understanding what is needed, and coming up with innovative solutions are key to its success.
“We want to normalise conversations about cancer and health, give practical support and ensure the community know we are available to turn to with questions. Recruiting and developing community champions for the C-Aware Project in North Shields over the next three years will help achieve these aims.”
Nik Hanlon has been the North Shields Fish Quay Port Manager and Managing Director for 10 years. He said: “It is very important something is being done, fisherman don’t ask for help. The most effective help I have seen in terms of fisherman acting on their health is when help comes to them.
“Fishermen are totally dependent on the weather and the tides. Needing to go to sea at short notice and the work takes priority over everything else.
“This project is based at the Fisherman’s Mission facilities a very short walk from our operations. That will be hugely helpful in terms of visibility and convenience for our fishing community. I am hopeful this can make a real difference to an ongoing health concern that has never really been addressed sustainably.”
Tony Millin, 53, is a lobster fisherman who owns a small boat moored at North Shields Fish Quay. He said: “When the conditions allow, I am out for 10 hours fishing in a day, often at short notice. A year ago, I requested a bowel cancer screening kit from my GP as I was experiencing abdominal discomfort. The tests came back clear and just knowing it wasn’t anything more serious than a muscular issue was a huge relief.
“Having a cancer awareness programme so near to the Fish Quay will be a major boon for a community that I know often doesn’t feel it has time to prioritise health.”
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of the C-Aware initiative on North Shields Fish Quay and see the fantastic levels of support this important project has already achieved.
“This scheme is all about reaching our fishing community who are some of the most hard-working people in our borough and part of the lifeblood of North Shields.
“The approach of bringing healthcare and cancer awareness to them and fitting it around their busy and demanding lives is a clever and caring approach that could save lives. I can see that a lot of positive energy and dedication is going into making the C-Aware initiative a success.”
